PANAJI
Aquila FC and Blink FC were crowned champions of the inaugural edition of Road2Goa in the men’s and women’s editions respectively at the Salvador do Mundo Panchayat Ground.
In addition to the trophy, Aquila FC bagged Rs 2 lakh prize money. They defeated KFC (winners of the South Goa leg, who received Rs 1.5 lakh for being the runners-up) in sudden death after normal time and the ensuing penalties were not enough to separate the two sides in the final.
In the women’s category, winners Blink FC walked home with the winner’s cheque after overcoming the challenge from ABC 13 Maina. Blink FC’s Stessi Cardozo bagged the Best Player award in the women’s tournament, her six goals helping Blink to the title.
Speaking about the tournament, FC Goa President Akshay Tandon said, “I am absolutely thrilled to see the level of participation. The aim of the tournament was to create a meeting place for all football fans - starting with Goa. A place where you can experience your passion for football, in a safe and secure environment.
“Road2Goa is all about connecting communities and providing all a good experience. Making new friends and socialising with football at the heart of it all. The opportunity to play teams from other parts of the state and hopefully others states of India in the future. Winning or losing games together with your team mates.”
Aquila FC’s goalkeeper Augustine D’Mello was adjudged the best player of the men’s tournament thanks to his brilliance between the sticks for the eventual champions.
Earlier in the day, KFC overcame the challenge of La Masia FC to win the South Goa leg whilst Aquilla FC got one over Saligao Mae De Seus in the North Goa final. Parallel to the main event, a tournament organised for the media houses saw Sports Balcao walk away with the trophy after overcoming the challenges from The Goan and Prudent TV.
As part of the festivities, Road 2 Goa also gave a chance to the official FC Goa Fan Clubs viz. East Lower Army and FC Goa Fan Club to strut their stuff with the latter coming out as winners on penalties.
